Used Chrysler Pacifica Quick Facts
- The best years to buy used are 2021 and newer.
- The Chrysler Pacifica offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
- The Pacifica is the only minivan with a plug-in hybrid engine option.
The Chrysler Pacifica minivan offers several innovative ideas, making it a highly desirable prospect in the used car market. It can be had with all-wheel drive (AWD) or as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) — but not together. The gas-only models offer clever storage areas for hiding valuables or storing the second-row seats (hybrid versions use the storage space for the battery pack). And, at least in an early version, the Pacifica has a sleek, almost cool appearance, making the perfect antidote to the boring minivan stigma.
Now for the not-so-great. The Pacifica has a few spotty years and a less-than-enviable record when it comes to resale and overall reliability. And these aren’t simple, little annoyances. They center around the transmission, electronics, engine issues, and build quality.
Note: Chrysler also makes a low-cost version of the Pacifica called the Voyager. It launched in 2020 to replace the lower-priced L and LX trims. The Voyager is a gas-only van with very few optional upgrades.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Chrysler Pacifica?
- Chrysler Pacifica by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Should You Buy a Used Chrysler Pacifica?
- Is the Chrysler Pacifica Reliable?
- Used Chrysler Pacifica Model Years to Avoid
- What’s the Maximum Number of People a Pacifica Can Hold?
- How Much Can a Chrysler Pacifica Tow?
- What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Pacifica Get?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Chrysler Pacifica?
If you want to buy a hybrid model, 2022 or newer is your best bet. Earlier versions have issues with the hybrid system, most notably a recall involving a possible battery fire when parked.
For the gas-only vans, 2021 and newer are preferable, but the newer the better. Newer models have better packages, improved infotainment systems, and better build quality, although the revised front-end styling for these years makes the Pacifica look a bit generic.
Chrysler Pacifica by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
First Generation: 2017-Current
Still in its first generation, the Chrysler Pacifica has undergone significant changes over time, all aimed at improving quality and reliability. Early on, the 2017 through 2019 models feature several trims, ranging from basic to full-on luxury. In 2020, Chrysler split the trim ladder, leaving the lower-priced L and LX trims attached to a new name: Voyager.
The Pacifica debuted in 2017. It is powered by either a 3.6-liter V6 engine or a 3.6-liter V6 combined with dual electric motors and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The PHEV can travel up to 32 miles solely on electric power and earns 30 mpg combined on combustion alone, while the gas-only model has a combined 22 mpg (20 mpg with AWD).
These early years are plagued by issues and are not our top picks. After 2020, Chrysler addressed many of the issues, including improving the transmission, infotainment system, V6 engine, and overall build quality.
The original trim line consists of the LX, Touring, Touring Plus, Touring L, and Limited. In 2018, Chrysler adds a low-cost L trim, but we think the LX is a better choice. It has important features like heated outside mirrors, a rearview monitor, 17-inch alloy wheels, and 3-zone climate control. Also standard is an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, second-row Stow ’n Go bucket seats, Uconnect 4 with 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and proximity keyless entry.
Driver assists are not standard but are available via the Safety Tech Group package that adds rear park assist with braking, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic detection.
If you want adaptive cruise control and forward collision avoidance, you’ll have to upgrade to the Touring L; even then, it’s optional. These and other safety systems will become standard after 2021.
The Touring Plus adds power sliding side doors, fog lights, automatic headlights, and 3-zone automatic climate control.
The Touring L adds remote start, third-row sunshades, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the Safety Tech Group. This trim opens the door to more options, including the Advanced SafetyTec Group that adds adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beams, lane departure warning, a 360-degree monitor, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. A 13-speaker Alpine audio system, an 8-way power passenger seat, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system are also available.
The Touring L Plus and Limited offer every upgrade, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, a hands-free liftgate, hands-free sliding doors, 18- or 20-inch wheels, and more driver assists.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: Trims are reduced to Select, Limited, and Pinnacle, meaning the base model has more standard equipment. Chrysler makes all-wheel drive an option on all three trims.
2024: No significant changes.
2023: No significant changes.
2022: Amazon Fire TV added to the option list.
2021: The Pinnacle trim joins the lineup. It features Nappa leather upholstery, an 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio, Berber-bound floor mats, and a suede headliner. The rest of the line gains more standard safety equipment (forward collision warning and braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an available FamCam interior camera. All Pacifica minivans get a new face and grille.
2020: Chrysler drops the L and LX (moving them to the new Voyager van), making the Touring the new entry-level model. Gas models offer a new panoramic sunroof.
2019: Chrysler shuffles the trim content, adding more features to each. For example, the Touring L gains a heated steering wheel, while the hybrid models gain an available S Appearance Package.
2018: A low-priced L trim arrives. New standard equipment includes ParkSense rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic detection. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard.
Should You Buy a Used Chrysler Pacifica?
The Pacifica offers many cool features and probably won’t cost anywhere near as much as a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. That said, it probably won’t be as reliable or hold its value as well. If you like what the Pacifica (and Voyager) offer, try to get a 2021 or later model, preferably with a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty.
Is the Chrysler Pacifica Reliable?
The Pacifica’s reliability record is somewhat spotty. Early models suffer from all kinds of issues, from poor-shifting transmissions to electrical gremlins to head gasket and rocker arm failures. The Pacifica also has its fair share of recalls, including the hybrid model. You can see all the Pacifica recalls by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Used Chrysler Pacifica Model Years to Avoid
We’d avoid the 2017 through 2019 models for most of the reasons stated above.
What’s the Maximum Number of People a Pacifica Can Hold?
The Pacifica’s standard seating is seven, but the gas-only models can be expanded to eight (Touring and Touring L only) with the optional second-row bench seat.
How Much Can a Chrysler Pacifica Tow?
With the optional tow package, it can pull up to 3,600 pounds. Towing is not recommended for the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid.
What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Pacifica Get?
Fuel economy for the standard V6 and front-wheel drive is rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg hwy. Adding all-wheel drive to the mix drops those figures to 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. The PHEV gets a combined 82 mpge with a 32-mile all-electric range.
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